Sections 4, 8(1) and 9 to 14 of the Act have already been implemented. Progress on implementing the remaining provisions is dependent on the availability of resources and no consultations have been held about implementation of further provisions. I have received representations from the care in the community Scottish working group on the implementation of sections 1 and 2.

The first report to be laid before Parliament under the Act—"Care of Persons with a Mental Handicap or Mental
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Illness in Scotland"—is at present being printed. Scottish Office officials have met the Association of Directors of Social Work to discuss local authority progress in implementing section 13 of the Act and the need for further guidance. We will be considering what further monitoring arrangements are required.